Shops / News
Bristol heavy metal shop nominated for national award
A Bristol record shop has been nominated for a national award that celebrates the high street.
Black City Records, the South West’s only dedicated independent heavy metal record shop, has been shortlisted for the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) ‘Love Your High Street’ awards.
The only Bristol shop to be nominated for the award, Black City Records was launched in 2021 amidst the global pandemic and quickly became a mecca for metal lovers – drawing fans from across the region and beyond who make pilgrimages to experience its high-octane celebration of all things heavy metal.
When it opened, it became only the second dedicated heavy metal record shop of its kind in the UK. The shop rapidly built a loyal following, earning a reputation for its welcome among both die-hard fans and curious first-time visitors.
“To be able to represent, not just the heavy metal community, but also the city of Bristol is a huge accolade in itself,” said David Savage, owner at Black City Records
Located on Trenchard Street just a stone’s throw from the Bristol Beacon and O2 Academy, Black City Records has gone above and beyond its role as a music retailer with its support for mental health within the heavy metal community – the first initiative of its kind, offering a supportive space.
The shop is also a supporter of the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, regularly fundraising through countertop donation tins, carrier bag charges and one-off events.
David Savage, owner of Black City Records, said: “It’s a real honour to be nominated for a national award that recognises businesses that try to work and benefit their local communities as much as possible. To be able to represent, not just the heavy metal community, but also the city of Bristol is a huge accolade in itself.”
The winners of the award are due to be announced on November 10 at a special ceremony in London.
Black City Records was founded in 2021 amidst the pandemic and quickly became a hub for metal fans in the region and beyond – photo: Milan Perera
Main image: Black City Records
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